USAF awards FlightSafety contract for KC-46 training system

The US Air Force awarded FlightSafety Services a $78.4 million contract on 1 May to develop an aircrew training system for the Boeing KC-46 tanker. The award includes an initial obligation of $1 million, while the remaining amount will be incrementally funded, the service says.

"This is a vital step in the development of the KC-46A," says Maj Gen John Thompson, the USAF's programme executive officer for tankers. "We have reached an award that is the product of a disciplined, meticulous and transparent source selection and delivers real value for the warfighter."

According to the air force, the contract contains options for production, training, operations and sustainment that, if exercised, will increase its value.

The first KC-46 training devices and courseware are expected to be delivered by February 2016 to the formal training unit where aircrew will undergo their qualifications in the aircraft. Work performed under the contract is expected to be completed by 2026 if options are exercised, the USAF says.